Joe Dolce was born in Painesville, Ohio, in 1947, but since 1979 has made Melbourne, Australia his home. With his partner of three decades, Lin Van Hek, he has six children and nine grandchildren. His first book of poetry will be published in early 2010.

 

His current CD, The Wind Cries Mary, was named Album of the Year by Radio, Melbourne. Dolce also wrote, produced, and performed Shaddap You Face, which continues to hold the 5-times platinum record for the most successful song in Australian music history for 29 years straight! Over 60 cover versions have been produced, with translations into at least 10 languages, including a pidgin from Papua New Guinea and the Indjibundji dialect of the Australian aboriginal language.

 

Joe was the principle and founding member, along with Lin Van Hek, of the unique and ongoing literary and folk music group, DifficultWomen, which debuted in 1992. But, Joe's talents stretch beyond folk to include classical compositions (Joan on Fire, oratorio for string orchestra, choir, soloists, and brass trio).

 

As a songwriter, Joe's words have been sung by many talented artists, including Robert Earl Keen, Jr, Keith Whitley, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Jonathan Edwards, The Tumbleweeds, Rosalie Sorrels, and many others. His music has also found its way into pop culture, with songs like Intimacy (executive producer, lead guitarist, and cowriter; sung by Lin Van Hek), which appeared in the classic sci-fi film, The Terminator.

 

 

 

For more music by Joe Dolce, check out these links: